Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and Its Foundation Celebrate 125 Years of Caring

June 4, 2015

From our beginning — a single cot endowed by Kirk LeMoyne, son of local pediatrician Frank LeMoyne, to be used for children and infants at a local hospital — to present day, Children’s Hospital has grown to become one of the world’s top pediatric hospitals with a reputation for innovation as well as superior care and successful treatment of kids with highly complex medical issues.

Children’s medical team treats rare diseases, defines new standards of care, pioneers research and treatment protocols, and provides patient- and family-centered services in a top-of-class environment. Every discovery, milestone and advancement is rooted in the same mission and supported by the same essence of community philanthropy established 125 years ago.

“Today, with 125 Years of Caring, we celebrate the tremendous work of our staff and physicians and all that they do for patients and families in the region,” said Christopher Gessner, president, Children’s Hospital. “We are extremely grateful for the generous community support that enables us to continue to provide the world-class care that has catapulted Children’s to the forefront of pediatric health care.”

Throughout the year, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation will carry on a campaign — “Give Kids a Chance to be Kids” — celebrating 125 years of caring and the important role of community support for the clinical and research advances at Children’s. The campaign will raise funds for patient care and research, attract a new generation of support from leading organizations and individuals throughout the region and beyond, and engage the community with a collective goal: Cures for childhood illness and diseases.

“The 125th anniversary will celebrate Children’s Hospital’s history and build momentum for what can be accomplished for our children’s children with continued community support and engagement,” said Greg Barrett, president, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. “Every gift, large or small, directly impacts the lives of children. By giving to Children’s, we truly are giving kids a chance to be kids.”

Today, Children’s officially began the celebration with a 125th anniversary kickoff event in the Eat’n Park Atrium at Children’s main campus in Lawrenceville. During the event, the Foundation announced a $1.25 million partnership with PNC as the lead corporate sponsor for the 125th Anniversary campaign. In addition, Jay Costa, State Senate Minority Leader; Wayne D. Fontana, State Senator, Democratic Caucus Chair; Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Executive; and Bill Peduto, Mayor of Pittsburgh, all read proclamations.

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation also unveiled the “Giving Booth,” an interactive video booth that will travel throughout the region to various events encouraging individuals to share a childhood memory or a Children’s Hospital memory. All videos will be uploaded to the Foundation’s 125th Anniversary webpage where participants will be able to watch and share videos and encourage their friends and family to do the same, as well as make a donation to support Children’s. The 125th Anniversary webpage also will feature memories shared by local and national celebrities.